What Are Silver & Metals Worth?

Silver is where marks matter most. Sterling has real metal value, while silver plate is mostly priced as decor. Brass and copper have their own market. Here is how to sort them quickly and price them fairly.

Typical US resale: $18–$58Rising this month

Updated October 4, 2026

Check yours free

Photograph the piece and close-ups of all marks. For sterling, add the weight if you can.

Try it right now — free, no account

Snap one item and get a real price in seconds.

One free demo per visitor · Results in under 10 seconds

Silver & Metals price guide

Typical in-person resale prices: booths, flea markets and estate sales. Online sold listings and auction records run higher.

Sterling silver teaspoon or dinner fork
Melt value +
Weigh it and price from today's silver price; popular patterns like Gorham Chantilly bring a premium over melt.
Sterling silver flatware set (service for 8)
Melt value +
Weight sets the floor, so weigh the set and check today's silver price first. Complete sets in a wanted pattern sell above melt.
Silver plate serving tray
$15–$60
Ornate designs and good plating.
Silver plate tea set
$40–$150
Complete set with tray and good plating.
Sterling silver baby cup
Melt value +
Priced by weight first; a maker like Tiffany or Gorham adds a premium, engraving usually does not.
Copper pot or pan
$20–$80
Thick copper and tin lining in good shape.
Brass candlesticks
$15–$45
Heavy, tall, and in pairs.
Pewter mug or plate
$5–$25
Older marks and good shape.
Silver plate flatware set
$20–$80
Full set in a chest with good plating.
Vintage copper or brass decor
$10–$50
Mid-century style and solid metal.

What silver and metalware sell for by region

Based on real PocketPrice seller data and known market trends. Refreshed monthly.

Moving right now

Birks sterling flatware
copper cookware
sterling flatware sets
Silver-plate tea services
brass candlesticks and trays
vintage silverplate serving pieces
brass MCM decor
RCMP and Hudson's Bay Company memorabilia

Region	Typical	Sellers’ median	Trend
Northeast	$20–$60	—	Rising
Southeast	$25–$70	$52tag price	Rising
Midwest	$15–$50	—	Cooling
Southwest	$20–$80	—	Rising
Mountain	$15–$50	—	Rising
West	$10–$55	—	Steady
Atlantic	$15–$80	—	Steady
Quebec	$20–$100	—	Rising
Ontario	$20–$100	—	Steady
Prairies	$15–$90	—	Steady
British Columbia	$15–$60	—	Rising
Northern	$15–$80	—	Steady

Sell in one of these regions? A free account prices every item for your region and the way you sell.

What makes silver and metalware worth more

Sterling vs. plate

Look for the word Sterling or 925. Plate is marked EPNS, Quadruple Plate, or with maker names like Rogers.

Weight

Sterling has melt value by weight. Heavier pieces are worth more.

Maker and pattern

Gorham, Towle, Reed & Barton, and Wallace sterling patterns have collectors.

Condition

Dents, wear, and missing pieces lower value. Tarnish is fine.

Style

Mid-century brass and copper decor is popular. Heavy pewter is slower.

Often underpriced

Sterling pieces mixed into plate flatware drawers.
Silver-plate trays and bowls for decor and gifting.
Copper pans with good tin lining.
Mid-century brass decor.

Usually overvalued

Heavily worn silver plate with copper showing through.
Common pewter pieces in bulk.
Bent or damaged metal decor.

Tips for selling silver and metalware

1Check every piece for Sterling marks before pricing.
2Weigh sterling and know the current silver price.
3Polish lightly or leave tarnish. Some buyers prefer to clean it themselves.

Price a whole table of silver and metalware in minutes

Your personal pricer learns where you sell and what your items actually go for. 15 free lookups, inventory, printable price tags, and sales tracking. No credit card.

Start Free — 15 Lookups

Silver & Metals value questions

How do I tell sterling from silver plate?

Look for Sterling or 925. Plate is often marked EPNS, Silverplate, Quadruple Plate, or with names like 1847 Rogers Bros. Worn spots showing copper or yellow metal mean it is plate.

Is silver plate worth anything?

It is usually priced as decor. Most pieces sell for $5 to $60.

Should I sell sterling for scrap?

Only if it is damaged or common. Popular patterns may sell for more as flatware.